I spend a lot of time in the air. I’m either traveling to and from my home in Australia on a long-haul flight or flying across the pond to Europe for work — the latter of which I do at least eight times a month. There are some products I just can’t live without because they make flying just a little bit easier. One of those is a comfy pair of slippers, but not the ratty old ones that hang out by your bedside. I’m talking about quality, camp-style ones with supportive, grippy soles that still look stylish beyond the confines of my house.
My qualifications for great plane shoes (or boots in the wintertime) are: it has to be comfortable, have a decent sole to tackle mixed terrain, and be easy to slip on and off. I want to be able to take them on easy walks around the lake, on grocery store runs, and even around ski villages during apres ski season. Here are 14 pairs that fit the bill for both on- and right-off-the-plane outfits. They really serve this long-haul traveler very well when flying from Australia to all corners of the world.
The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties
The North Face
Slightly wide at the top, you can slip these on and off without much effort. They come in gray and black, either of which will look nice for any apres ski activity. What’s even better is that they are machine-washable and highly insulating, which means you won’t have to worry about getting cold toes.
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules
Amazon
These super lightweight mules are highly insulated with a fleece-lined collar and high-traction rubber outsole that makes them suitable for outdoor wear. The booties have a collapsible heel with elastic side panels, so they’re easy to slip off for security lines, or if you just want to take them off mid-flight while curling up for a nap in your seat.
Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-ons
REI
This is one of Teva’s best-selling items, and it is easy to see why. With its quilted stitching, the shoe has an elegant look that’ll shut down anyone who questions why you are wearing slippers outdoors. Despite its plush look and feel, it’s made from water-repellent materials, so they’ll stay dry when you’re wearing these in the rain, too. The cushioned foam base elevates the heel for an extra snug feel, even when you’re walking on mixed terrain or gravel.
Teva ReEmber Mid Platform Shoes
Amazon
A similar design to the slip-on shoe, this boot style offers more coverage with the same water-resistant material, making these a great option if you’re really planning on being out in wet conditions. A quilted, rib-knit collar adds extra warmth, while the stretchy fit allows you to slip in and out of these with ease. The base offers superior cushioning, and the sole is sturdy enough for longer walks around town or even on hikes.
Salomon Unisex Snowclog Mid-top Sneakers
Salomon
If you are looking for a double-duty shoe to save room in your luggage while traveling, this is it. Unlike other comfy slippers, this bootie style offers much more support for high-performance activities, especially if you plan on walking steep hills or even tackling snowy hikes. Despite the boot design, they are incredibly easy to take on and off because of the smooth, easily accessible zipper on the side. Water-repellant with a rubber sole, these were made for snowy adventures.
Koolaburra by Ugg Burree Slip-ons
Amazon
I don’t think it would be possible to write a list of great slippers and not include Ugg, even if I only wear them indoors like most Aussies do. This is a great slipper to have because it has an Ortholite comfort insole, which means it helps support even the flattest feet out there. The suede upper lip design and textile-lined faux fur come together to make a highly insulated shoe that is just a joy to wear indoors and on long flights.
Nike Burrow SE Slippers
Nike
A happy reviewer said that wearing these felt like “walking on clouds.” The shoe looks like it is from outer space, but is really worth the hype. A no-frills option despite its otherworldly look, the cool quilted exterior and fleece-lined materials offer plenty of warmth and comfort. The sole has a grippy tread, so don’t stress about needing to run to your gate in them.
L.L.Bean Cozy Slipper Pile Fleece Booties
L.L.Bean
I’m a huge fan of the original L.L.Bean duck boots, and I love the cozy slipper pile fleece booties just as much. Not only are they stylish and a little different from other slip-on booties out there, but they are incredibly warm. The interior shearling, exterior fleece, and faux fur lining all come together to make one of the warmest options on this list.
Lugz Clipper Faux Fur Slip-on Sneakers
Amazon
These slip-ons are the best of both worlds thanks to their boot-like furry lining and sneaker silhouette. Designed with comfort in mind, they feature cushioned insoles for extra support on those long travel days. Once you’re cozy in your seat, slip them off with ease thanks to the stretchy side panels. Sturdy rubber soles offer good traction on long walks once you get to your destination, too.
Dearfoams Moritz Cozy Slip-on Booties
Amazon
This is a cute-looking bootie that is great for a quick errand, or just walking around camping grounds. A mix of wool and suede is used to make this option, which is comfortable, yet durable. Made with energy-return technology, these are designed to make sure you won’t stomp heavily on the ground and end up hurting the base of your foot (like other slippers sometimes do). Lightweight and easy to lounge in on a long flight, these are a great value-friendly option.
OluKai Malua Hulu Shearling Slip-on Sneakers
Nordstrom
Probably the most fancy slippers you will buy, these are worth the price to me since you can wear them like sneakers. A high lip protects your ankles from getting cold or wet in less-than-ideal conditions and keeps you a little extra warm on flights. There’s a lot of softness to this waterproof sneaker, and once you get to your destination, they definitely deserve to be worn outdoors where people can see you wearing them in style.
RockDove Campground Memory Foam Slippers
Amazon
Imagine wearing a down jacket on your feet. That’s exactly what these slippers are made to do, and you’ll love the surprisingly fun-colored interior options in the seven different colorway options. Highly insulated and sturdy thanks to an anti-skid rubber sole, don’t worry about slipping while wearing these in the rain. The shoe comes with memory foam cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and happy on long walks. Priced under $30, you’ll love that they’re machine-washable, too.
Sorel Viibe Faux Shearling Clogs
Nordstrom
In design, these are like a cross between Ugg boots and Birkenstock clogs. A few shoppers mentioned they bought these just because they looked cute, but ended up falling in love with them because they are super comfortable to wear, too. There is a lifted platform, so your feet are elevated from the floor—a bonus when you want to keep your pant legs far away from airplane bathroom floors. The ultra-soft clogs are made out of a plush faux shearling fabric that encases a springy foam midsole.
Taos Footwear Good Wool Slip-on Booties
Zappos
I love fleece and wool, so it should come as no surprise that I love these Taos boots. These handmade Spanish boots are stylish yet cozy. Constructed with both comfort and warmth in mind, the dual elastic gore insets help to provide an ultra-secure fit and feel. They also come with a removable, wool-covered insole if you feel your foot needs additional arch support and warmth.
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